CHANDIGARH
To further strengthen regulatory mechanism of direct selling and multi level marketing entities, Punjab has notified guidelines in this regard.
The Guidelines of Direct Selling for Punjab, 2020 – issued in line with the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 – would be instrumental in preventing frauds and protecting the legitimate rights and interest of the consumers, Principal Secretary Food & Supplies KAP Sinha disclosed here today. The latest guidelines constitute part of broader pro-consumer vision set forth by the Minister Food & Supplies Bharat Bhushan Ashu, Sinha added.
Elaborating further, Sinha stated that under the new norms it will be mandatory for such entities to register themselves with the nodal department – Food & Supplies – after fulfilling the documentary prerequisites. The department has notified a nodal officer to facilitate the implementation the guidelines in the state.
Further, a provision of a Monitoring Authority has been mandated under the guidelines after receiving due approval from the Chief Secretary for its constitution.
The Monitoring Authority shall consist of Administrative Secretary of Department of Food, Civil and Consumer Affairs as the Chairman, Director of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs or any officer nominated by him or her not below the rank of Joint Director as the Nodal Officer and the Convener, The Secretary to Government, Finance Dept. or any other Officer nominated by or her not below the rank of Deputy Secretary, Financial Commissioner, Taxations or Taxation Commissioner, GST, ADGP rank officer from the Police Department dealing with Economic Offences, One Subject Expert duly nominated by the Government.
The Monitoring Authority shall meet in every three months. The detailed guidelines are available on the website of the department i.e. www.foodsuppb.gov.in.
